Thai cabinet approves new royal anthem

The Thai cabinet has given its approval to the royal anthem “Sadudee Jom Racaha,” the Prime Minster’s Office has recently announced.

Written for His Majesty KingMaha Vajiralongkorn, the song is to be played at state or royal ceremonies and also at events organised with the idea of expressing loyalty to His Majesty.

Ms Patcharaporn, the PM’s Office permanent secretary, said the lyrics from the anthem could be used for educational purposes at private or state institutions.

She added the anthem is to be played to instil gratitude to the Thai King, who is also called King Rama X, and if performed by the private sector, it must be at occasions paying tribute to His Majesty.

The anthem is not to be played at private functions or events associated with local, community level customs.

Tasked with creating the royal anthem, the Culture Ministry invited experts in language and music to develop the song, before it was presented to the cabinet for approval.

Whilst not the Thai national anthem, the royal song is used during state occasions and when high ranking members of the Thai Royal Family are present at functions.

It is also played before the start of movies and before the first act in musicals and plays.

The Royal Household Bureau has announced the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be closed ahead of the King’s 66th birthday on Saturday and associated long weekend holiday.

Whilst the temple will be closed, visitors will still be able to purchase tickets to the Grand Palace, from 8:30 am until midday on Friday, which is Asarnha Bucha Day.

Both buildings will close on Saturday to mark both the King’s birthday and the end of Vassa (Buddhist Lent).

King Rama X came to the throne upon the death of his father, King Rama IX, in October 2016.